Liverpool FC – Steven Gerrard returns to Liverpool in Academy Coaching Role – Steven Gerrard the former Liverpool Captain is to make a return to Liverpool next month to take up a full-time coaching role with the club’s academy. This was announced by Liverpool Football Club.

Gerrard, 36, who made his Liverpool debut in 1998, will begin the job in February. The midfielder left Anfield at the end of the 2014-15 season to join MLS side LA Galaxy and retired as a player in November after a 19-year career.

The club legend will serve as a coach at the youth complex in Kirkby, operating in a wide-ranging role in the professional development phase of the young players.

Gerrard said:

“It feels like completing the circle; returning to the place where professionally it all began. However, this isn’t a decision based on emotion – it’s about what I can offer and contribute to Liverpool”.

I don’t think I need to explain to people what this football club means to me, but when I knew coming back was a serious option I wanted to make sure it was a substantive role and a role in which I could really help the organisation.

“Meeting with Alex Inglethorpe, seeing the work they are currently doing and want to do in the future at Kirkby, it just felt right. The right option at the right time, for all parties involved.

“This gives me a great opportunity to learn and develop as a coach, while at the same time offering my knowledge, ideas and experience to the young players at an important period of their development.”

Liverpool said he would bring “experience and expertise” to the role, as well as “unparalleled knowledge of the fabric and ethos” of the club.

Gerrard is also working towards his Uefa A coaching licence, which is required to manage in the Premier League.

Gerrard’s willingness to work with the younger groups [he is likely to cover under-16 to under-23] shows his acceptance of the need to serve a coaching apprenticeship.

Liverpool’s statement announced the appointment of a new Academy coach. The return of Steven Gerrard represents so much more than that in the context of the club’s long-term future.